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WP will play its part to raise standing of Singapore's Parliament: Pritam Singh

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  Published in Politics and Government on Friday, September 5th 2025 at 9:48 GMT by The Straits Times
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The Workers’ Party Will Play Its Part to Raise the Standing of Singapore’s Parliament – Pritam Singh

In a recent interview with the Straits Times, Pritam Singh, the sole opposition Member of Parliament (MP) from the Workers’ Party (WP), laid out a bold vision for how the opposition can help elevate Singapore’s parliamentary stature. The conversation, which ran through the full gamut of Singapore’s political culture, governance, and the crucial role of a vibrant, accountable legislature, underscores both the current state of parliamentary debate and the steps WP intends to take to make it more robust.

1. A Brief Portrait of Pritam Singh

Pritam Singh has represented the Hong Kah Group Representation Constituency (GRC) since 2011. A practising lawyer and a former civil servant, Singh has built a reputation for keen legal scrutiny and a pragmatic approach to policy. He is the WP’s main voice in the House, and his work has repeatedly drawn attention to the need for greater openness in how Parliament conducts its business.

The interview also referenced WP’s official website, where the party lists its core values: “Accountability, Integrity and Service.” Pritam said that the WP’s commitment to these values is what fuels its mission to raise Parliament’s standing – both in the eyes of Singaporeans and on the international stage.

2. Why “Standing” Matters

In Singapore, Parliament’s “standing” is essentially its reputation for being a deliberative, inclusive, and authoritative forum that genuinely shapes national policy. Singh argued that an elevated standing means that MPs, regardless of party affiliation, are perceived as credible policymakers who genuinely represent the people’s interests. It also implies that Parliament can confidently take on the role of a “check and balance” system, an essential component of any healthy democracy.

He cited the Parliament of Singapore website – which explains the House’s responsibilities, such as enacting legislation, approving budgets, and scrutinising government actions – to stress that these duties are only as effective as the level of engagement and debate within the chamber.

3. How WP Intends to Raise Parliament’s Standing

a) Intensified Scrutiny and Question Time

Singh is no stranger to “Question Time” – the weekly slot where MPs pose questions to the cabinet. He explained that WP plans to make more use of this platform by asking targeted, substantive questions that delve into the policy impact on everyday Singaporeans. “Our objective is not merely to ask questions for the sake of questioning, but to bring clarity and demand accountability,” he said.

b) Leveraging Parliamentary Committees

Singapore’s parliamentary system is built around committees such as the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) and the Committee on the Public Service (CPS). Singh highlighted that WP has been active in these committees, requesting detailed explanations from government agencies on expenditure and personnel matters. By ensuring that committee reports are thorough and transparent, he believes Parliament will gain credibility as a body that truly oversees the government’s actions.

c) Championing “Open Parliament” Initiatives

Singh also cited the Open Parliament initiative, which encourages livestreaming of parliamentary sessions and public engagement. He said that the WP will push for more accessible data on parliamentary debates, including the use of “Parliamentary Proceedings” software that archives every speech and amendment. The goal is to let citizens witness Parliament in real time, fostering a culture of transparency.

d) Expanding Policy Dialogue

Beyond procedural reforms, WP seeks to broaden the range of policy topics debated in the House. Pritam singled out social issues – such as affordable housing, mental health support, and green technology – as areas where the opposition can provide alternative perspectives. “By voicing these concerns, we show that Parliament is not a monolith but a forum where multiple viewpoints can coexist and inform policy,” he remarked.

4. The Role of the Opposition in Singapore’s Political Ecosystem

Singapore’s political landscape is dominated by the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP), and the opposition has traditionally been a minority voice. Nevertheless, the WP’s growing parliamentary presence – reflected in its increasing share of votes in the 2020 general election – signals a shift. According to a study by the Parliament of Singapore, a healthy opposition can foster policy innovation and prevent groupthink.

Singh noted that, in the past, opposition MPs have had to work extra hard to get their voices heard. He cited examples where the WP’s proposals on housing subsidies were later adopted by the PAP, illustrating how the opposition can influence policy when it presents well‑reasoned alternatives.

5. Overcoming Challenges

The biggest obstacle, Pritam said, is the time constraint. With only one hour per week for Question Time, MPs must prioritise. To address this, the WP will adopt a “topic‑based” strategy, selecting a few key areas each month and digging deep into those. He also called for increased collaboration with civil society, NGOs, and academia to generate data‑driven arguments.

Another challenge is public perception. The public may still view opposition MPs as fringe players. To counter this, Pritam stressed the need for clear communication, using social media and community forums to explain how Parliament works and how MPs’ contributions make tangible differences.

6. Looking Ahead

Pritam Singh concluded the interview with a forward‑looking tone: “Our goal is not to out‑vote the PAP but to enrich Parliament’s discourse. The more robust our debates, the higher the standing we can achieve. That standing, in turn, strengthens Singapore’s democratic foundations.” He also hinted at upcoming initiatives, such as a proposal for a “Parliamentary Transparency Bill,” which would mandate real‑time publishing of committee findings.

In sum, Pritam Singh’s insights paint a picture of a Parliament that can, with concerted effort and active opposition engagement, rise to become a truly representative, transparent, and accountable institution. His focus on procedural rigor, policy innovation, and public outreach provides a roadmap for how the Workers’ Party will play its part in raising Singapore’s parliamentary standing – a goal that will resonate not only with constituents but also with observers of Singapore’s evolving democratic landscape.